The Magic Flute now brilliant Australiana
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, in his all too short life, wrote masterpiece after masterpiece…writes Victor Grynberg.
Ben Mingay as Papageno and Michael Smallwood as Tamino in The Magic Flute 2024.
Photo Credit: Keith Saunders.
Both symphonic and operatic. He wrote 22 operas, of which four in particular are major hits even today.
Don Giovanni, Cosi Fan Tutte, The Marriage of Figaro and his final opera, The Magic Flute, premiered only three months before his sudden and unexpected passing in December 1791.
Of the type often described as a comic opera the work can be changed to fit the times and this version certainly has been changed. 233 years later, it has been made so much more relevant. Set in barefooted current Australia, and sung in English, it’s oh so different from a classic version. Mozart’s operas normally feature a lot of spoken dialogue with harpsichord backing. There is no harpsichord in this new production by Kate Gaul (no loss for me ), and the English itself is spoken in broad Australian, which actually adds to the spirit and success of this great interpretation.
Of course, the most critical aspect, never to be lost, is the arias and duets. And here, Opera Australia has exceeded itself with a wonderful group of soloists and, as always, a really terrific chorus.
Stacey Alleaume, the much admired local soprano sings the main lead, Pamina. I’m a great admirer of Ms Alleaume, and as usual, she excels in every aspect of her role.;
Possibly the most famous of all soprano arias of Mozart, and definitely the most challenging, is “The Queen of The Night”. The rapturous applause at the conclusion showed how much the full house on opening night loved this aria and the vocalisation of Giuseppina Grech.
The opera commences with three characters designated as First, Second and Third Lady. Played respectively by Jane Ede, Indyana Schneider and Ruth Strutt they set the spirit of the opera perfectly. Papageno is a famous personality and aria in The Magic Flute, but there is also Papageno, the accomplished Jennifer Black.
So, how do the men compare to the great female leads?
Just as well, of course!!
Pamina’s counter is Tamino, excellently sung and acted by Michael Smallwood. Michael’s beautiful tenor voice showed the benefits of his extensive training, including at the Juilliard School in NY.
Ben Mingay, as the famous Papageno, was just as good. His characterisation was perfect.
On the evening I felt the show was virtually “ stolen “ by David Parkin as Sarastro. With a Jesus Christ outfit and appearance, Parkin’s ultra-rich deep bass-baritone had a tremendous impact.
Yet “stealing the show” was also a trio of young performers Abbey Hammond, Zev Mann and James Valanidas. Just outstanding, and what special applause they received at the end.
The Opera Australia Orchestra is a powerhouse of fine music, and for this performance, they were excellently guided by Teresa Riveiro Bohm.
The set is actually an old one from a production of Werther in 1989.
Works brilliantly.
Outstanding are the costumes, which enhance the new story superbly. Especially those colourful ones near the end. Congratulations to Anna Cordingley.
It was clear that the audience enjoyed this new Magic Flute mightily, as did this writer.
Congratulations to the very large team involved
5 stars
THE MAGIC FLUTE
Joan Sutherland Theatre
Sydney Opera House
February 1st 2024
